Thanks to Basil

It's everywhere; On our caprese salads, along the fence lines, even in some liquori. Basil puts it's stamp of approval, often times that finishing garnish that seems to say, "finito", now you may eat.

 Wait a minute, not that basil... I meant Basil! My darling trainer in Tulsa. He made me lift weights, squat until I could squat no more, do those awful planks, and hang by giant rubber bands. But and this is a big BUT....I was ready for this grand adventure. I have climbed stairs that have seen centuries of pilgrims.

Lifted suitcases and bags, and walked miles and miles of what always seemed to be uphill centro historico (old centers) streets.

This beautiful building was in Volterra, the vampire town. Volterra sits way up high amidst the clouds.

 It is one of the epicenters of the Etruscan people. The museum dedicated to them is amazing with funerary tombs, examples of their mosaic floors, jewelry, even pans which they cooked with. This museo is worth the visit. 

My sweet husband has been in charge of all the driving. He is confident and efficient and I am terrified. Those  10# "curls" have helped me as I have clutched desperately to the handle above the car seat. I have needed all the muscles that Basil has insisted I develop. My "core" has served as a balancing center as Gary has negotiated the many hairpin mountainous turns, avoided scores of bicyclists and pedestrians, and deftly wound us through city centers; old and new. 

Our B &B in Panzano, Chianti, was Il Casselo. Beautifully situated between groves of olives and rows upon rows of grapes. 

And finally why we came to Chianti. 

So, thanks Basil for always being kind but insisting I keep on task. I was ready. I know you too would give me your stamp of approval. 

Next stop...Vienna. 

It's me! Ciao babies.